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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
At the suggestion of the Rev. J.M.Spicer, chaplain of Laxey, a Manx conference of Debating Societies was formed in 1894. An appendix to an account of the history of the Douglas Progressive Debating Society, describes its origins and short but powerful life of about ten years.
Mr. Broadbent, editor of the Isle of Man Examiner was by turns secretary and treasurer of the movement, and debates were held in various centres attended by representatives and members of as many debating and kindred societies as cared to join. These aggregate meetings at Laxey, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown, Ballasalla and Douglas, will be remembered with great pleasure, and led to many friendships. The custom was to get the biggest and most influential local magnate to take the chair, have an essay on a burning question, and discussion. Refreshments and music were provided by the local committees at each place.When Dumbell's Bank broke, [1900], it was found almost impossible to perpetuate the annual meetings of the Unon, and so they fell into desuetude.'
At the fourth conference held at Peel on 1 April 1897 tne delegate societies were St. Andrews Literary Society, Finch Hill Congregational Society, St Thomas' Church Guild, Peel Church Young Mens' Club, Douglas Progressive Debating Society, Ramsey Wesleyan North Shore Road Young Mens' Mutual Society, and the Douglas Catholic Club. An oral account of the work done by the Peel Wesleyan Improvement passed. S.K Broadbent, editor of the Isle of Man Examiner and prime mover in the movement to union, summarised the achievements of the conference.
"I venture to think that the holding of these conferences has done good, and been the means of encouraging talent among the young people in all parts of the Island, while the publication by the press of reports of meetings of debating and mutual improvement societies has given a distinct stimulus to to mental culture. A wave of intellectual life seems to have passed over the Island, and left beneficial results in its wake, which it is is hoped will be permanent. It cannot but be improving to ladies and gentlemen connected with these societies to meet , and compare notes as to the best working of their societies."
M.N.H.L., Isle of Man newspapers, ut supra;
Manx Quarterly, vol. 1, no.8, 1910
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Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
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